How do our senses react to essential oils?

How do our senses react with essential oils?

Our sense of smell, our olfactory System and Limbic systems, are the most fundamental sensory systems we have. Both are essential for communication, safety, and attraction between humans.

When aromas are inhaled the molecules that are airborne enter your nose signal along to your the olfactory bulb along the olfactory tract to the brain ending in the limbic system.

The limbic system is responsible for basic survival including Hinger, thirst, emotional and memory processing. The limbic system also includes memory and scents can influence moods, physiological responses and unlock memories you thought you had lost or locked away. Scent familiarity can often take us to past memories. For example when I smell sugar being melted and spun onto stocks making candy floss. The sweet scent reminds me of holiday by the sea of fairgrounds. Other examples are the Linalool in Lavender is known to calm an menthol in Peppermint is known to refresh.

 

The Somatosensory System (Sense of Touch)

 

  • Skin absorption: Applying diluted oils during a massage or bath interacts with thermal and physical receptors in the skin.

 

Essential oils can also be experienced through the skin when they are used in expertly formulated body, bath and massage products. Because essential oils are oil soluble, they blend well into nourishing oil based formulas designed for use on the body.

When applied to the skin, these products help create a more immersive ritual. The texture, massage movement and aroma work together, helping the body feel cared for while the scent supports the mood of the moment.